Why have one when you can have two? Since porches were the spot to escape the heat of the day before air conditioning, double-stacked porches make an appearance on most Lowcountry homes. Even with our modern amenities, they still remain a ever-present part of the design and give homeowners multiple outdoor spaces to entertain, relax and enjoy the sea breezes.

Cozy up on this covered deck, complete with a roaring fireplace and comfy wicker furniture in pale yellow. Quintessentially Southern, the ceiling is painted haint blue. Not only does it mimic the color of the sky to create a cooling, calm effect, but it also — according to folklore — protects the home from insects and restless spirits.

This petite cottage (only 690-square-feet) sits amidst a beautiful planting of Lowcountry grasses and flowers. Board-and-batten siding pairs with a standing seam metal roof for an exterior that exudes farmhouse charm. The entire outdoors has a simple, modest aesthetic that's wholly welcoming.

Sweeping grasses over marshland is the epitome of low country outdoors. This Savannah home lets nature be its guide with a simple wooden walkway over the marsh that leads to a freestanding covered deck. A grouping of Adirondack chairs circle around a fire pit for cozy evenings.

Lowcountry homes have to be able to stand up to the changing weather, especially the heat, humidity and salt air. Metal roofs are often chosen for their durability to these elements and their lifespan of up to 50 years. Deep porches help protect the home and siding from the at-times-brutal sun and fierce rain showers.

Nestled among the trees and palms in Kiawah Island, South Carolina, HGTV Dream Home 2013 mixes the styles of tidewater farmhouses and Low Country cottages. Locally-sourced materials, such as yellow pine timbers and mahogany hand rails, is sustainable building and ingrains the house in the region. Drought-tolerant plants and seagrasses surround the home, camouflaging the elevated foundation, as well as creating a one-with-nature aesthetic.

Living on the coast means you have to keep high waters in mind when you're designing. The raised elevation keeps the home and everything inside safe, while still maintaining an oh-so-inviting exterior. Multiple porches (there's several more on the back!) allow homeowners to enjoy the marshlands, as well as the native landscaping.

Covered porches in the front and back are an essential part of Lowcountry design since they provide a place to enjoy the outdoors while being able to get out of the sun. In addition to hard-wearing exterior materials, durable furniture is a must. This wood-shingle-surrounded porch has smart furniture choices — aluminum, marine-grade wood and quick-dry foam — that will stand up to getting wet and weather changes.

Open breezeways are another favorite outdoor Lowcountry design element. Connecting multiple areas of the home together, they also allow for coastal breezes to circulate. Board-and-batten siding combines with a metal roof for a Craftsman-style home that's lush with tropical plants.

Even in the heat of the south, dining outdoors is a lovely part of the culture. Ceiling fans help keep the air moving and porches are built several feet above street level to catch the breeze. Two tones of blue bring a serene shade to this space, which pairs wicker and distressed finishes for a casual, welcoming atmosphere.

French doors pour natural light into the interior and lead out to a quaint outdoor living space. Stacked stone in soft shades of gray and tan deliver an earthy quality to the entirely neutral sitting area. White columns and a hanging lantern lend a classic touch.

Simplicity reigns supreme at this modern farmhouse. Shiplap siding in clean white and a metal roof with a standing seam evokes an uncomplicated, down-home aesthetic. Tiny shrubs create a border around the lawn that adds to the effortless look.

Porches are a big part of Lowcountry home design and porches love a swing. Here, a pair of rope-hung swings, dressed in shades of blue and white, sit across each other for intimate conversations. Urns full of flowers and greenery add life to the space, as well as provide some privacy from the road.

Lowcountry homes pull inspiration from the Bahamas and Barbados, and one beloved element are Bahama shutters. Attached to the exterior of the window, they help shade from the sun and heat, and then can pull flat against the window for added protection during storms.